LISBON –Retired Lisbon science teacher James W. Watt entered guilty pleas Friday to 45 counts related to his possession of multiple images of minors engaged in sexual acts.

Watt, 69, Fairfield School Road, Columbiana, appeared in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court for what was originally set as a status hearing but became a plea hearing before Judge Megan Bickerton.

She ordered the completion of a pre-sentence investigation by the probation department and scheduled sentencing for 10 a.m. Jan. 9.

Columbiana County Assistant Prosecutor Steve Yacovone said he’ll be recommending a total sentence of 25 years in prison, along with Watt’s desigation as a Tier II sex offender requiring him to register as a sex offender for at least 25 years after his release.

Yacovone said there had been negotiations between the defendant and his attorneys with the prosecution to reach the plea agreement, saying Watt would plead guilty to 30 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, a fourth-degree felony, and 15 counts of illegal use of minor or impaired person in a nudity-oriented material or performance, a fifth-degree felony.

As part of the plea deal, another 30 counts of fourth-degree felony pandering obscenity will be dismissed.

Watt pleaded guilty to the charges outlined in the plea agreement after Bickerton reviewed the elements of each charge.

Yacovone explained that since the prison term isn’t mandatory, the defense will likely ask for a lesser sentence or community control. Watt was accompanied by his hired defense team of Bruce Williams, Daniel Misiewicz and Christine Falconer.

Bickerton said the fourth-degree felony pandering charge carries a possible prison sentence of six to 18 months for each count and a fine of up to $5,000. The fifth-degree felony charge carries a possible prison sentence of six to 12 months and a $2,500 fine.

The indictment issued in January against Watt included 60 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, a fourth-degree felony, and 15 counts of illegal use of minor or impaired person in a nudity-oriented material or performance, a fifth-degree felony.

When the secret indictment was issued, Yacovone said there was a tip about Watt from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force regarding alleged images of child pornography. Watt was released from jail after posting bond following his arrest and his bond of $50,000 cash or surety was continued. Conditions of his bond include that he’s not permitted to leave the state and had to forfeit his passport.

The date of the possession of the images occurred on Oct. 22, 2024, according to the indictment. The pandering charge alleged that Watt did “with knowledge of the character of the material or performance involved, buy, procure, possess or control obscene material that has a minor as one of its participants.”

The other charge, illegal use of minor or impaired person in a nudity-oriented material or performance, alleged that Watt “did possess or view material or performance that shows a minor who was not James W. Watt’s child or ward in a state of nudity.”

Watt retired from the Lisbon school district in May 2024 after 43 years as an educator. He also served as a former track and cross country coach.

mgreier@mojonews.com